Checking Post Size Before Sending

Until you get a natural feel for image, sound file, and post size, you may want to use this simple method for checking the overall size of your newsgroup post or e-mail before you send it.

After completing your stationery, and while still in the OE compose window just before you post, click on FILE|SAVE on the toolbar. This saves your intended post to the Outlook Express Drafts folder.

Now open the Drafts folder and look for your drafted post. One of the columns above the drafts list should read "Size". Follow across the line where your draft is shown and check its size.

If the "Size" column is not displayed, right-click in an open area on the column headings, then click on the COLUMNS line of the context menu. In the small window that appears, check the "Size" box, then OK. The size of the aniticpated post (or e-mail) will then be displayed.

Recommendations

An average newsgroup post is usually about 100-120k. Less is better, but more is usually okay too. Remember those with slow line speeds. Also, many people outside of the U.S. pay by the minute for ISP connect time. Downloading a 1 megabyte post at 28.8kbs can take ten minutes or more. Try to keep your posts under 200k unless you have a doozy that must be seen. Microsoft limits maximum size to 1000k (1 MB).